The Education Committee has developed the following draft of a common vision for education. Hearings will be held to listen to Nebraskan’s reactions on October 6, 2014 at Gallup in Omaha; October 15, 2014 at Northeast Community College’s Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk; and October 16th at Broken Bow high school auditorium in Broken Bow. All hearings will be at 1:30pm. The Committee will consider the input provided as they finalize the common vision for education in Nebraska. Please attend the nearest public hearing to share your thoughts.

Vision:

Every Nebraskan educated for success

Mission:

Provide Nebraskans the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to be productive individuals.

1)By 20__, for at least the school year prior to kindergarten, every child will have equitable access to high-quality and
developmentally appropriate preschool programs that help prepare them for school. 2) By 20__, children from backgrounds that put them at greater risk will have access to additional early childhood
educational opportunities.3) By 20__, all children in grades K-12 will have equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities that will,
to the extent possible, prepare them to be college, career, or job ready when they graduate from high school. 4) By 20__, all high school graduates will have equitable and affordable access to high-quality postsecondary
educational opportunities. Goal 2: Establish high expectations for all educators, parents, students and educational institutions.1) By 20__, increase the percentage of students who meet the performance standard in all grades tested in reading,
writing, and math and reduce the gaps in such percentages among demographic groups.2) By 20__, see an increase in the overall high school graduation rate and reduce the gaps in such rates among
demographic groups. 3) By 20__, provide an opportunity for all public high school students to take the college entrance exam most
commonly used in our state. 4) By 20__, significantly increase the number of students who meet the college readiness benchmarks in all subject
areas set by that college entrance exam.5) By 20__, increase the percentage of high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education and reduce the gaps
in such percentages among demographic groups. 6) By 20__, increase the percentage of postsecondary education students who complete their program of study within
the expected degree completion period and reduce the gaps in such percentages among demographic groups. 7) By 20__, create systems of support for parents to assist their children with educational expectations. Goal 3: Create positive, safe and successful learning environments. 1) By 20__, all school districts and public postsecondary institutions will have safe and secure facilities with positive
learning environments. 2) By 20__, all school districts and public postsecondary institutions will have strong policies that prohibit any type
of harassment or bullying. 3) By 20__, support developmentally appropriate continuing education for teachers, instructors, and professors
designed to enhance student learning. Goal 4: Develop collaborative educational relationships with the entire community, including individuals,
families, businesses and organizations. 1) By 20__, support alignment of educational programs and experiences with workforce needs. 2) By 20__, help students and families overcome barriers to education. 3) By 20__, increase the shared use of facilities and staff. 4) By 20__, build seamless strategies which align objectives throughout a student’s educational career.
5) By 20__, increase collaborations to bring research-based best practices into educational environments. 6) By 20__, increase collaboration between education entities and families to enhance opportunities for student
development and success.

Thank you for your involvement in the initial survey and the committee looks forward to listening to you in October at the public hearings.

* The Education Committee’s survey has ended as of June 30th. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond! The Committee will read through the results and may edit/add/delete from the statements upon review.

Below is from the previous post:

In response to the enactment of LB 1103 this past legislative session, the Education Committee of the Nebraska Legislature is developing a common statewide vision for education in Nebraska. The vision will eventually consist of “aspirational goals, visionary objectives, meaningful priorities, and practical strategies,” and will help current and future policy makers identify priorities.

As a first step, the Committee has identified the following initial vision, mission, and goals. We are conducting a public survey of this initial draft in order to receive your feedback.

Vision: Every Nebraskan educated for success

Mission: Equip Nebraskans to realize maximum potential in all aspects of life

Goals: 1. Provide programs and courses that inspire and prepare Nebraskans for success in learning, work, and life.

2. Establish high expectations for all educators and provide support and resources to create positive, safe, and successful learning environments.

3. Develop systems of support that build collaborative partnerships among the entire educational community including individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.

Again, your thoughts and suggestions matter. Please take a few minutes to give us your input and reaction by completing this survey by June 30th and forwarding the survey to friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We want all Nebraskans to be part of a thoughtful conversation about education.

The Education Committee will review the results and possibly modify the vision, mission, and goals before moving on to the development of objectives. It is the Committee’s commitment to continue this exchange with the public throughout the process, with public hearings and possibly one or more additional surveys.

Thank you in advance for your input and taking the time to engage in this statewide conversation, and for sharing this survey with any and all interested Nebraskans. If you have any questions, please contact my office at (402)471-2631.